Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is Coming to an Ash Tree Near You - Ash Tree Removal and EAB

Background

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle from Asia that was discovered in Detroit in 2002 and has since killed tens of millions of Ash trees throughout 25 states in the Eastern United States and Canada. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) eats the leaves of ash trees and deposits their eggs beneath the bark. When the larvae hatch, the insects destroy the vascular system of the trees, leading to their eventual death. The Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed in Ballwin, Chesterfield, and St. Charles County, so we expect to see the EAB in Wildwood soon.

Research has shown that when a community is first infested with EAB, tree mortality is relatively low. However, as insect populations build, there is an exponential jump in mortality. This time frame can be anywhere from several years up to a decade. Therefore, in Wildwood, we expect to see a dramatic increase in the mortality of Ash trees over the next 3-5 years. Ultimately, the EAB will attack all Ash species, regardless of their health. It is expected that within 10 years all urban Ash trees will be dead.

Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness

Wildwood has performed a street tree inventory and it was found that about 1,400 of our street trees are Ash and thus are susceptible to EAB. Unfortunately the distribution of Ash trees is not uniform throughout the City. Some neighborhoods and streets have a much higher concentration of Ash trees.

Removal

Ash trees that are killed by EAB will quickly become brittle and fall apart, creating potential hazards to public safety. As Ash trees on public streets decline, the Department of Public Works will have the trees removed by private contractors. The removal of Ash trees will be prioritized and scheduled based on condition, size, and threat. If you notice a declining Ash tree in City right-of-way adjacent to your home, that you would like to be considered for removal, please call us at 636-458-0440.

Treatment

Chemical treatments are available to temporarily fend off EAB damage to trees. These treatments, which are estimated to cost up to $200 per application for a mature tree, typically provide protection from EAB for up to two years, and must be re-applied biennially. While such treatments may be desirable for private owners of ash trees, they are not a realistic option (financially or logistically) for City maintained street trees, as there is no guarantee the treatment will be successful, and many of our ash trees are near the end of their life expectancy.

Grants

Finally, the City will also take advantage of grants when available. For example, the City of Wildwood has been awarded several Missouri Department of Conservation Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grants for the removal of declining Ash trees on City streets in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2016 TRIM grant included the removal of 56 declining Ash trees and replacement with a diverse mix of trees. This work was completed in Spring 2017. The 2017 TRIM grant, covered the removal and replacement of 50 Ash trees and was completed in Spring 2018. The 2018 TRIM grant will be used to remove and replace 92 Ash trees in the Spring of 2019.

Unfortunately, the scope and impact of the EAB infestation will be significant, and the resultant loss of ash trees will have a visual impact within many of our neighborhoods and streets over the coming years. For the latest information, please check the City of Wildwood website. More information about the EAB can be found at the links below: